Promises to the Overcomer

Published January 8, 2014 by

PROMISES TO THE OVERCOMER: A PORTION OF THE BELIEVER’S HOPE
Seventeen premises are given by Christ in the book of Revelation to the ones designated as “overcomers”; fifteen in chapters two and three and two promises in chapter twenty-one. There is often a logical misunderstanding of how one becomes an overcomer and what is being overcome. Humanly understood, an individual would be considered an over-comer who exerted personal strength, determination, intelligence, and perseverance. But the apostle John, who wrote Revelation according to divine inspiration, also wrote the epistle of First John by the same process. In this epistle John defines from a diving perspective how a person becomes an overcomer.
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God…
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith.” I Jn. 5:1a,4
The overcomer then is one who has believed the gospel and is thus seen by God to be victorious in his position in Christ because of Christ’s victory over the world.
“In the world you will have tribulation; but b« of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jn. 16:33
Based on the perfect work of Christ, and the grace extended to believers from Him, these overcomer promises are freely given to every Christian to encourage godly living. In the light of our glorious future that Christ has graciously assured us, “what manner of persons ought ‘we’ to be in holy conduct and godliness” (II Pet.3:10-18)
1. WE WILL EAT FROM THE TREE OF LIFE LOCATED IN PARADISE Rev.2:7
Departed saints have temporary bodies -Luke l6:19-31
The Tree of Life maintained physical life -Gen. 3:22-24, Rev.22:2
We obtain permanent glorified bodies at the Rapture -Phil. 3:20,21, I Thess.4:13-18
2. WE WILL NOT BE HURT BY THE SECOND DEATH Rev. 2:11
The second death applies only to the unbelievers after they have been raised to stand at the Great White Throne and then separated forever from God in the Lake of Fire. I Cor. 15:20-26, Rev. 20:6-l5
We will judge the unsaved with Christ without being hurt by seeing them sent to the Lake of Fire. We will see this judgment as perfect and righteous as Christ. I Cor. 6:2-3, Rev. 20:12-15
3. WE WILL EAT OF THE HIDDEN MANNA Rev. 2:17
Spiritual growth depends on our understanding of our relationship with the Person of Christ. Jn. 6:35-58, II Pet. 3:18
There is more to learn about Christ that is unrevealed now, but will be revealed in eternity future. Those future truths about Christ, the Bread of Life, are now hidden manna (bread).
4. WE WILL RECEIVE A WHITE STONE WITH A NEW NAME Rev. 2:17
“white” probably suggests preciousness and purity.
“stone” probably suggests permanence and endurance.
The name is personal and unique, suggesting a one-on-one relationship with Christ as
well as a corporate relationship in the Bride.
5. WE WILL HAVE AUTHORITY OVER ALL NATIONS Rev. 2:26
Believers keep, or guard the works of Christ by believing them, not by personal
effort. I Pet. 1:3-5
True believers cannot reject the work of Christ which gave them their salvation.
I Cor. 15:2, I Pet. 1:3,4
As co-heirs with Christ, we inherit what He inherits, part of which is authority to
rule over the nations during the Millennium. Rom. 8:17, Heb. 1:2, Ps. 2:7-9
6. WE ARE GIVEN A SPECIAL PART IN CHRIST’S GLORIOUS REIGN AS THE MORNING STAR Rev. 2:28
Christ, as the Morning Star, will be the source of light in the New Jerusalem
Rev. 22:16, 22:23
We shall have garments of light like Christ’s. I Tim. 6:16, I Jn. 3:2
We will manifest that radiance when we reign with Christ.
7. WE WILL BE CLOTHED IN WHITE GARMENTS Rev. 3:5
The linen is the manifestation of the righteousness of the saints. Rev. 19:8
The white raiment is given not earned. Rom. 4:5,6, II Cor. 5:21
The church saints possess it at the Rapture. Rev. 3:5
Today, our righteous character is hidden in our position in Christ, I Cor. 1:30,
but will ultimately be manifest to all who may observe us.
8. OUR NAMES WILL NEVER BE REMOVED FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE Rev. 3:5
We were chosen to salvation in eternity past. Eph. 1:4
Our names were written in the Book of Life before the creation of the world. Rev. 17:8
Our eternal security depends upon the perfect, complete work of Christ, not upon
our efforts. Jn. 10:27,28, Heb. 7:25
Such grace should lead us to good works. Eph. 2:8-10, Titus 2:14
9. CHRIST WILL CONFESS OUR NAMES TO HIS FATHER AND THE ANGELS Rev. 3:5
Christ will personally say the same thing (confess) about us as the Book of Life says.
This will probably take place when Christ takes us to Heaven and presents us to
the Father. I Thess. 3:13
Angels will learn from this presentation, just as they are learning things now
through the church. Eph. 3:10
(These truths contrast with Matt. 10:32,33 which deals with people in the future
Tribulation period, not the church.)
10. WE WILL BE PILLARS IN GOD’S TEMPLE Rev. 3:12
A Grecian pillar was a prominent, and important part of architecture.
Important men who were responsible for the establishment and well being of the early
church were described as “pillars”. Gal. 2:9
Church saints will have the outstanding and prominent place in the temple of God
in heaven. Rev. 11:19, Heb. 9:1-8, 11-12
Our relationship to Christ is closer and better than that of other saved people
of other times. Heb. 11:39-40, 12:22,23
We will be the prominent display of God’s grace into eternity future. Eph. 2:6-7,10
11. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE THIS PILLAR RELATIONSHIP Rev. 3:12
We will never cease being displays of God’s grace.
Although we will be permanent and immovable in this relationship, this promise does not prevent us from leaving the heavenly temple as we will go with Christ wherever He goes during the Millennium. I Thess. 4:17, II Pet. 3:13
12. WE WILL BE INSCRIBED WITH THE NAME OF GOD THE FATHER Rev. 3:12
The description of God the Father as “My God” shows Christ’s relationship to the
Father in His (Christ’s) humanity.
This inscription on our foreheads is like that on a trophy and enables all who see it
to glorify the Father. Rev. 22:3-5
Our relationship to God the Father is permanentized and individualized. Eph. 4:30
13. WE WILL BE INSCRIBED WITH THE NAME OF THE NEW JERUSALEM Rev. 3:12
To learn of the Bride, John is shown her home. Rev. 21:9-10
The magnificence of this city portrays the magnificence of the Bride. Rev. 21:9-27
The New Jerusalem is the special place that God the Son is preparing for us. Jn. 14:1-2
14. WE WILL BE INSCRIBED WITH THE NEW NAME OF GOD THE SON Rev. 3:12
Many names and titles are given to God the Son in the Bible.
One special name was given to Him by the Father at His exaltation to show His
lordship but is yet unrevealed to anyone else. Phil. 2:9, Rev. 19:12
He will write that name on us and allow us to share in His great exaltation and
mastery over all things.
15. WE WILL SIT WITH CHRIST ON HIS THRONE Rev. 3:21
Today, Christ sits on His Father’s throne, not His own. Heb. 1:3
At His second coming Christ will sit on His own throne and manifest His glory. Matt.25:31 Because of His great love and desire to share His glory with His Bride, we will sit on His throne and reign with Him. Rom. 8:17, Rev. 22:5
16. WE WILL INHERIT ALL THINGS Rev. 21:7
The breadth of “all things” is truly amazing. I Cor. 3:21-23 Once inherited, we can use this inheritance like Christ will.
17. . WE WILL HAVE A PERMANENTIZED FAMILY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Rev. 21:7
We are assured that God the Father will be our deity into eternity future (cf. #12)
and that we will continue to be sons.
While a child is a “born one” showing relationship of life and nature, sonship indicates
maturity with full privileges of adulthood. Gal. 4:1-7
We will be “sons” into eternity future, not just “born ones”.
This contrasts with the promise to other saints, who inherit the new earth; they will
be the “people” of God. Rev. 21:3
In the light of these gracious promises from our loving and all-gracious God, may we be encouraged and uplifted by their content of hope. Like the apostle Peter, may we desire to live for Him because of gratitude over His person and promises (Not out of a sense of obligation or debt!). II Pet. 3:13,14,17,18
(These summary notes of Rev. 2&3 are a slight revision of notes entitled “MAJESTIC OVERCOMERS” by Pastor Richard Steeg of Calvary Baptist Church, Flagstaff, Arizona